The War Years

The War Years is dedicated to bringing World War Two history to life. Our website, YouTube channel, photo galleries, social media and blog posts combine to tell the true stories of the world's most destructive conflict, and keep alive the memories of all those who were lost.

Looking for specific information on some aspect of World War Two? Use our search feature or contact us directly.

The Story of the Conflict

The story of World War Two is an epic tale of political extremism, racism, territorial expansionism, subjugation and mass murder on an industrial scale. It’s also a story of immense courage, sacrifice, determination, ingenuity and great leadership.

TheWarYears1939 - Military History YouTube Channel

Watch over 70 videos that tell the story of every aspect of World War Two military history. Our dedicated YouTube channel has over 3 million views and 1600 subscribers. We take a closer look at the people, vehicles and weapons that had such as devastating and decisive impact on the outcome of key battles throughout the conflict.

The War Years Blog

In the War Years Blog we review military history books, events and museums. We also look at the history of unique World War Two artefacts, militaria, medals and anything else of general interest. Read our latest blog post now.

In this post we visit the former Headquarters of RAF Fighter Command during the Battle of Britain, The Bentley Priory Museum in Stanmore, a suburb of Northwest London. It was here that Sir Hugh Dowding oversaw the air defence of the UK during the dark days of 1940.

In this blog we take a look at the unique history of a piece of engine cowling from Fw-190A-1 Wn.10036. The Fw-190 was part of Jagdgeschwader (JG) 26 "Schlageter" known to the Allies as "The Abbeville Boys". Piloted by Oberfeldwebel Helmut Ufer, the Fw-190 was shot down by an RAF Spitfire in July 1942.

In this double book review we look at two very different titles that both look at the tank war in Northwest Europe from very different perspectives. Ken Tout's book A Fine Night for Tanks takes an almost forensic look at Operation Totalize. Tank Action by David Render is a very personal portrait of the Allied advanced from the Normandy beaches to Germany from the viewpoint of a junior tank commander.

In this blog post we announce the launch of The War Years chatbot. The War Years brings WW2 military history vividly to life. Now you can connect to The War Years varied military history resources using our Facebook Messenger chatbot. The War Years provides an overview of WW2 events, photographic gallery, blog, YouTube channel and social media platforms. We also recommend various WW2 living history events, air shows, exhibitions and museums. You can also ask questions about WW2, and we will do our best to answer them.

The German War by Nicholas Stargardt and The Bitter Taste of Victory by Lara Feigel are two WW2 history books that neatly dovetail one another. The German War examines the many, varied aspects of the German war experience from 1939 to 1945 at home and on the frontlines. The Bitter Taste of Victory begins in 1944 as Allied forces, East and West, advance into the shrinking Reich and extends to 1949.

Two British paratroopers armed with 9mm Sten submachine guns. The man crouching has the shoulder pips (rank insignia) of a British Army Captain while the man standing wears the stripes of a Sergeant (Non-Commissioned Officer). Over 4 million Sten guns of different variants were made during the 1940s.